Memory card and method for operation in a plurality of systems having incompatible object code format requirements

Abstract

Application software and data files (21-25, 31-34) for operating systems and processors having incompatible object code format requirements may be placed on the same memory card (10). Memory card (10) may be used by any system (16, 18) receiving the physical format of memory card (10) and whose operating system can read the logical format of memory card (10). At least one card configuration file (40) having a preselected name unique to each operating system having different object code format requirements is stored on memory card (10). Card configuration file (40) includes the names and location information for only application software and data files (21-25, 31-34) accessible and executable by that operating system. Consequently, each operating system recognizes only that application software and data files having compatible object code format requirements.

I claim: 
     
       1. A memory card for operating both in a first system having a first object code format and in a second system having a second object code format different than that of said first object code format, the memory card including at least one of an executable application file and a data file, the memory card comprising a card configuration file stored on the memory card specifying the name and location information on the memory card of only each said executable application file having said second object code format and each said data file readable under said second object code format. 
     
     
       2. A memory card, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the memory card has a physical format and a logical format common to both said first system and said second system. 
     
     
       3. A memory card, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said logical format includes a directory in which is stored a preselected name for said card configuration file, and the names of and location information regarding each said executable application file and each said data file stored on the memory card. 
     
     
       4. A memory card, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said directory includes a hidden file attribute associated with said card configuration file and each said executable application file and said data file, said attribute set to hide said card configuration file and each said executable application file having said second object code format and each said data file readable under said second object code format. 
     
     
       5. A memory card for operating in a plurality of systems including a first system having a first object code format and in a plurality of additional systems each having an object code format different than that of said first object code format, the memory card including at least one of an executable application file and a data file, the memory card comprising a card configuration file stored on the memory card specifying the name and location information on the memory card of only each said executable application file having an object code format different from that of said first object code format and each said data file readable under an object code format different from that of said first object code format. 
     
     
       6. A memory card, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the memory card has a physical format and a logical format common to said first system and all said additional systems. 
     
     
       7. A memory card, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the memory card includes a card configuration file for each said object code format different from that of said first object code format. 
     
     
       8. A memory card, as set forth in claim 7, wherein said logical format includes a directory in which is stored a preselected name for said card configuration file, and the names of and location information regarding each said executable application file and each said data file stored on the memory card. 
     
     
       9. A memory card, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said directory includes a hidden file attribute associated with said card configuration file and each said executable application file and said data file, said attribute set to hide said card configuration file and each said executable application file having an object code format different from said first object code format and each said data file readable under an object code format different from said first object code format. 
     
     
       10. A method for operating a memory card both in a first system having a first object code format and in a second system having a second object code format different than that of said first object code format, the memory card including at least one of an executable application file and a data file, the method comprising the steps of: storing a card configuration file specifying the name and location information on the memory card of only each said executable application file and each said data file having said second object code format;   reading said card configuration file;   displaying the name of each application having said second object code format;   selecting an application having said second object code format; and,   executing said selected application.   
     
     
       11. A method, as set forth in claim 10, further including testing for the presence and form of said card configuration file on the memory card. 
     
     
       12. A method, as set forth in claim 11, further including identifying each application present on the memory card having said second object code format and registering same with a user selection menu. 
     
     
       13. A method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said step of storing includes setting an attribute for hiding said card configuration file and each said executable application file and said data file having said second object code format.